Assistant Dean of Philanthropy and President of the NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc.

North Carolina State University and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seek an experienced and aspirational Assistant Dean of Philanthropy to build upon the College’s fundraising accomplishments.

North Carolina State University (NC State) is a land-grant university. Serving the people of North Carolina – through education, research, and economic advancement – is central to its mission. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is critical in delivering that mission to the state. Over 4,400 students learn from and work with more than 700 world-leading faculty and staff to identify and provide practical solutions for the real world. CALS's extensive partnerships with agriculture, business, education, government, and industry create a unique culture of collaboration that increases productivity and fuels economic development. Through extension programs and 102 local centers across North Carolina, CALS ensures that a diverse group of clients and citizens have access to subject matter experts who can help address their individual, unique needs. 

Partnering with Dean Garey Fox, an energetic and ambitious leader for whom philanthropy is key to achieving his priorities, the next Associate Dean (AD) will steward and further elevate an existing, successful advancement operation for CALS. The AD will simultaneously serve as President for the NC Agricultural Foundation (Foundation), stewarding and supporting advisory boards that consist of alumni, volunteers, industry partners, and state representatives.

The AD reports directly to Dean Fox, serving as a member of his senior leadership team, and has a close relationship with the central University Advancement (UA) office, notably the Associate Vice Chancellor, University Development. This executive will build close ties with CALS faculty and staff, advancement peers across NC State, CALS alumni and volunteers, and critical industry partners across North Carolina. The AD is charged with building a world-class advancement operation from a place of existing strengths, deepening relationships with current donors, identifying new partners in philanthropic support, and managing both the CALS advancement office and the Foundation’s activities. The AD will also be responsible for a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors.

The successful hire will have extensive experience developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies that elevate the resources and reach of an organization, preferably on behalf of a public research university. This executive will have demonstrated success in soliciting and closing transformational gifts to support complex and/or technical programs, as well as a history of mentorship and support of other frontline fundraisers. The future AD will be keen to build relationships with industry partners and associations, volunteers and alumni, and peers across CALS and the wider university. A bachelor’s degree is required. While personal experience in agriculture is a plus, it is not required for success in this role.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.

Jack Gorman is leading this search with Elizabeth Neustaedter and Lisa Clayton. 

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. 

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.